Friday’s thoughts
“What Do You Tell An Atheist?”
In dealing with anyone whose views differ we have to be careful “how” we try to “tell” someone anything. On the other hand it was D.T. Niles who said, “Evangelism is simply one beggar telling another beggar where to get the food.”
I have found that theism (belief in God) has a centralizing function. It forces us into a lifestyle that encourages congruence. Theism requires a kind of consistency in all levels of life. Monotheism is difficult but important. It allows us to confront the fragmentation life brings to us.
Therefore, if in a position to share thoughts about God with someone who didn’t believe or understant about God I would suggest they look at three areas of their lives.
1. Look up! See the cosmos and the beauty and order of the universe and realize that behind creation there is s creative force (a Creator). Haven’t all of us looked up at the stars at night and thought, “This is a wonderful and awesome sight.”
2. Look around! The Christ-event happens as we interact with strangers. The incarnation of God in Jesus is prototypical of the way in which God appears in the people around us. Haven’t we each had the experience of the ministry of other people and haven’t we witnessed the God-likeness of strangers in their acts of caring and compassion.
3. Look within! There is a touch of the eternal in every person. Where we are least able to see it in within ourselves. Haven’t we had the experience of looking back on something we said or something we did and thought to ourselves, “I wonder where that came from?” and then to realize, it came from God. Amos the prophet of Israel was reluctant to speak for God as God’s prophet because he said, “I am but a tree trimmer. How can I speak for God?”
There are many, many ways we experience God to which we might point an atheist in a search for God. I can think this sermon might have many other areas toward which to point people in the search. Do you have suggestions? Where would you look? If you have thoughts write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to others to read your ideas click on the ‘comments’ box below. Other people will be able to see your ideas and respond directly to you.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles Schuster
